Showing 91 - 100 of 161
Unity in Olympics
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 03/08/2020
» If Covid-19 had not struck the planet, we would be enjoying humanity's most celebrated sporting event by now -- the Summer Olympics. This year's Olympics has been postponed and rescheduled to take place between July 23 and Aug 8 next year, leading many to now refer to it as Tokyo 2020+1. Anyway, thinking about the Olympics takes my thoughts back to Atlanta 1996.
An 'abominable' act
Oped, Postbag, Published on 25/07/2020
» In dropping charges against Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya, the Thai police and the Thai government have once again boldly revealed their corrupt souls. Absent shame or mitigating circumstances they have defined their version of justice, integrity and dictatorial rule by law in this abominable decision.
Thai-US alliance comes with new twists
News, Published on 14/07/2020
» Before General James C McConville, the Chief of Staff of the US army, was able to sign the Joint Vision Statement 2020 for the Thai-US Defence Alliance last Friday, he had to go through the stringent Covid-19 measures required under Thai law for foreign visitors.
Outbreak no reason to delay polls
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 22/06/2020
» After a six-year vacuum in local politics, by the end of this year, some Thais might be able to cast their votes to elect local administrators.
Why close the parks?
Oped, Postbag, Published on 04/04/2020
» Over the past month, hundreds of people -- especially the elderly -- jogged in Benjakiti Park daily and thousands in Lumpini Park. At this time, it is important for people, especially elderly people, to get lots of sunshine and exercise.
FFP was singled out
Oped, Postbag, Published on 14/03/2020
» Re: "It's not just about FFP", (PostBag, March 12). Khun Piya Samyan defends the Constitutional Court dissolving the Future Forward Party, because "it did violate the law regarding acquisition of income". This is about the "rule of law that is equally applied to all". I fully agree with Khun Piya that the law must be applied without fear or favour -- for if not, the government would be weaponising the law to slay its enemies, so to speak.
Ruling is inconsistent
News, Postbag, Published on 27/02/2020
» I agree with the spirit of the Constitutional Court's verdict on the FFP's loan saga: loans should be considered as contributions. But have the Thai Election Commission or courts previously ruled that loans are, legally speaking, contributions? The Bangkok Post's Feb 21 editorial said: "The EC never ... informed political parties that there are regulations barring them from taking out loans. That's because there are no such rules." Also, if we had such specific and clear rules and laws, our EC and CC would have explicitly based their decisions on them, quoting the section -- but that's not the case.
Dire lack of security?
News, Postbag, Published on 11/02/2020
» We are all too familiar with the events that occurred at Terminal 21 in Korat. It seems that every article concentrates on what happened after the shooter arrived at the mall. But what is not being mentioned is what occurred prior to his arrival. What we know is that he shot his superior officer and, according to the news article, he then stole a collection of arms and ammunition. This would lead one to believe that he was armed prior to obtaining the weapons used in the attack. He then took his haul and went to another location and stole a vehicle which he then drove off the base to the mall. So why was the soldier armed in the first place? As I recall weapons in barracks were kept in a secure location, locked and issued individually as needed. All transactions were recorded, and an inventory taken daily.
Constitutional perks
News, Postbag, Published on 04/02/2020
» The recent article re the ombudsmen's perks falls neatly into line with the similar perks granted to the judiciary which are perfectly explained in a very accurate assessment of recent Thai politics by the Cambridge University Press who articulated that "Meechai's constitution is designed to give more concrete power to an unelected elite minority -- the army, the judiciary and 'independent' organisations". It goes on to suggest that " the voters' electoral mandate will be less meaningful in deciding who should govern.
Korn's Democrat exit could let him shine
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 18/01/2020
» The surprise departure of Korn Chatikavanij from the Democrats deals a heavy blow to the oldest political party which was already struggling in an unfavourable political atmosphere. The bold move, however, gives the prominent politician a new opportunity with speculation rife he is about to found a new party. Political observers also foresee the possibility of Mr Korn becoming a new choice for PM in the next election.